I've never been very good at goodbyes. I was the girl who, when loved ones were getting ready to leave, I would stoically meditate on some book so I wouldn't feel the enormity of the loss invading my heart. Well, tomorrow Andres and Felix leave SF to Spain, and Thurs. is Ruben's departure for Belgium. And with that, one more road trip, and they won't be here with so many jokes, laughter, questions, preferences, . . . so much life. I'm really going to miss them. Tomorrow and the next day and the next. . .

farewells and separations are the hardest for even the strongest heart to bear. I feel for you. I too get a little sad whenever i have to wave farewell by the side of the road to my loved one as the car drives off.